Nottingham Couple Jailed For Sexually Assaulted Vulnerable Woman

They targeted a vulnerable young woman who'd been on a night out in the city before sexually assaulting her

A Nottingham couple who targeted a young woman and sexually assaulted her have been jailed for more than 6 years between them.

52 year-old Joseph Penado from St Ann's and 50 year-old Michelle Cooper from Colwick lured the young woman who'd been on a night out into their car in the early hours of July 29th 2015.

Cooper initially acted in a friendly manner, but Cooper then told the victim that her husband was coming and a short time later Penado arrived and carried out a sexual assault.

Penado and Cooper then lured the victim into their car and began to drive her around the St Ann’s area before stopping on Manning Street, off Woodborough Road, where all three stepped back out onto the street.

Penado subjected the victim to a further sexual assault and Cooper forced the victim to hand over her mobile phone, before again luring her back into the car and driving off. The scene had drawn the attention of a CCTV operator who had concerns for the young girl and alerted police officers.

Det Insp Yvonne Dales said:

“This is a concerning case where the two defendants appear to have identified an intoxicated and thereby extremely vulnerable victim to prey on.

“Penado and Cooper will have been fully aware that the victim was in no position to give any consent to anything which was happening to her that night.

“It is distressing to know that there are people out there who will look to take advantage of a lone woman in a vulnerable position.

“We are extremely grateful to the alert and quick-thinking CCTV operator who was able to identify a situation which required police action and quickly inform our officers. As a result, we were able to swiftly make an arrest whilst the offences were taking place.”

Det Con Rebecca Butler paid tribute to the victim for her bravery throughout the court proceedings.She said: “This case has been particularly harrowing for the victim, not only to have been subjected to such a horrific sexual assault but then to have to re-live it by being shown the CCTV of it happening during the trial.

“Credit must be paid to her for attending court and having the courage to give evidence and ensure that people like this are taken off our streets.”